It's quite a beautiful and strangely adorable drawing, but I'm experiencing a far more sinister tone than the rest of the commenters seem to be feeling. (That or I have WAY too much empathy for cartoon animals.) You stuff has a great edge, that's for sure.

You have such a wonderful way of making something look so sweet and innocent but with that slightly disturbing undertone!! I absolutely love it. She is pulling those spikes out with such happy innocence that you feel like just letting her carry on until he is completely bald!! Saying that , I think the porcupine would put up with anything for the love of his little girlfriend!!

So tell me, is that a hedgehog or a porcupine? If it is a porcupine the quills are poisonous. If it is a hedgehog, the spines are not poisonous but they cannot be easily removed. Likewise a porcupine belongs to the same family as the rat! Now the show I saw the other night may have been about porcupines eating varnish and cigarette butts! Anyway, that poor animal is under her spell. That I totally understand why. So lovely. I suppose, you SCANNED this image first. Do you have a superbowl pick? Wanna make a bet? Brady or Manning? Come on! Bet against me and we can decide the pot.

Good! Then I will pick Brady. You are not worthless!!! Duh, Ms. Gifted!!! If you win I promise I will not burn these drawings and I will paint a new oil painting and I will draw something other than nuts and Oh my God, I will draw something for you, anything that you ask of me. If I win you will draw something for me and send me acorns of Quercus lobata.

Ooof! I think my comment was eaten...oh goodness gracious. Bella..I'm cringing (his expression is perfect) with delight at this fabulous illustration..you are SO very clever! I love it! Hope you're having a good weekend, sending you a virtual box o' fine chocolates to enjoy on this Super Bowl sunday with your sweeties too!

RE Naked monks. I discovered writings of a monk from c.1375 who wrote THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING, and I quoted him in a recent blog post. She is reminding me that monks were not (are not) walking saints. SHE WAS JUST BEING her usual loving self--CES! (I meant that!)

But the BEST news was that most exciting finish, as GIANTS WONNNNNN!!!

I just wanted to share that my mom and I had a really nice time the other day looking at your drawings on your blog. I think you have another fan, but you would never know because she is afraid of the internet/computer! ;)

Heh I just came from shirleys' place grinning, and now I am giggling ! Gah, I dare not go to Jacks for a peek otherwise I will be cackling!

Not that there is anything wrong with cackling, that's one of the things I like about Christmas - along with the other bits of prok of course..... (I mean 'pork")

hehe this girl is cute, but otherwordly, she is mature beyound her years, staring into space - she looks like she is lost in her thoughts. Quite an achievement to portray so many human emotions with so few lines....

and i bet you never knew anyone with a porcupine quill collection, but now you do, me! yes its true, i've been super de duper lucky, each trip to africa i've come home with a new quill. i hope to get another one soon. :)

Awwwww I love that..giggle. I love your work hon..so do! Thank you so much for your comments about my latest piece..so means the world to me coming from you!! Hope all is well in your world..mine is a little crazy lol! What's new right? Huge hugs and love to you hon, Sarah

Hah hah...I think we're even then, because I'm clearly envious at your drawing skills. That is something I don't have :)

Writing isn't an easy feat (and yes, filled with many distractions). I get it too actually at times, and it stinks...I think it's called writer's block :p I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter you read. If you'd like to read more, then just go to the top of the page and click on the link "fanfiction".

ingentyeah, strange what our pets put up with just so they can get a little extra from us, whether attention, food, or just being allowed to be close to their 'hoomin'... despite the awkwardness and/or minor pain inflicted, even if unintentionally

Ahahahahahahahahahahaahahahaaa...!!!! That poor, poor porcupine! I won't even ask what inspired you to do this, Bells. I think you must have read too many comic books while you were in Japan. I just love that hint of Japanese humor in your work. :D :D

HAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Oh my Lord how funny is this! You are just BRILLIANT! I can always count on a magnificent piece of artwork and a good laugh. Please excuse the crust around my eyes and nose and caked up breakfast and dinner on my shirt. I've been under a rock. I'll brush my teeth in a minute and straight my wig. Yeah that funky odor will leave as soon as I finish this little note! Missing you something awful. I just had to come by and be inspired! Best to you and Happy Valentines my friend and sister. Love you so much!

Love me porcupines'.. when I last had tea with you bella it was narwhal's and octopi' on the face....amso LOVING everything i have missed.. BOOKS have been illustrated yay!!!! at last!!! so excited for you!! I bet you and the girls had a wonderful time away.. ahhhhh.. the ocean .. precious!

Haaaa I was just on my way to visit you and you were over at my place!!!

Awwww she loves him she loves him she loves him even if the spikes say otherwise.Just think how cuddly he is going to me when he is all plucked and smooth.Should last a couple of days before the stubble starts growing back!!!Ouch.Totally cute Bella

Mea Culpa

Dilettante Extraordinaire.
I'm an advertiser-turned psychologist-turned stay-at-home mom, caught between yearnings for intellectual stimulation and creative explosion and not being able to do either with full conviction.